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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 12:20 On the contrary, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/12-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/45_Rom_12_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 12:20 - Forgiveness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="On the contrary, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/romans/12-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/romans/12-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm" title="Romans 12:19">◄</a> Romans 12:20 <a href="/romans/12-21.htm" title="Romans 12:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/romans/12.htm">New International Version</a> On the contrary: &#8220If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/romans/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” <a href="/esv/romans/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” <a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” <a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> On the contrary, "If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him to drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head." <a href="/kjv/romans/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. <a href="/nkjv/romans/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” <a href="/nasb_/romans/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” <a href="/nasb/romans/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/romans/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS UPON HIS HEAD.” <a href="/lsb/romans/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” <a href="/amp/romans/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR BY DOING THIS YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” <a href="/csb/romans/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. <a href="/hcsb/romans/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. <a href="/asv/romans/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. <a href="/cev/romans/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Scriptures also say, "If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads." <a href="/erv/romans/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. <a href="/gwt/romans/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed." <a href="/gnt/romans/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Instead, as the scripture says: "If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing this you will make them burn with shame." <a href="/isv/romans/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> But "if your enemy is hungry, feed him. For if he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will pile burning coals on his head." <a href="/msb/romans/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore ?If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.? <a href="/net/romans/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. <a href="/nheb/romans/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap coals of fire on his head." <a href="/wbt/romans/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore if thy enemy hungereth, feed him; if he thirsteth, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. <a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> On the contrary, therefore, if your enemy is hungry, give him food; if he is thirsty, quench his thirst. For by doing this you will be heaping burning coals upon his head. <a href="/web/romans/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I will repay again, says the LORD”; if, then, your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire on his head. <a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> On the contrary, "If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him to drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head." <a href="/ylt/romans/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I will recompense again, saith the Lord;' if, then, thine enemy doth hunger, feed him; if he doth thirst, give him drink; for this doing, coals of fire thou shalt heap upon his head; <a href="/slt/romans/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If therefore thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for doing this, thou shalt heap up coals of fire on his head.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat; if he thirst, give him to drink. For, doing this, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. <a href="/cpdv/romans/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So if an enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap burning coals upon his head. <a href="/nabre/romans/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” <a href="/nrsvce/romans/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing, you shall heap coals of fire on his head. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And if your enemy hungers, feed him, and if he thirsts, give him a drink, and if you do these things to him you will heap coals of fire on his skull.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> If, therefore, your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by doing this, you will heap coals of fire on his head. <a href="/godbey/romans/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink: for doing this you will heap coals of fire upon his head. <a href="/haweis/romans/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> If therefore thine enemy hunger, give him food; if he thirst, give him drink: for so doing, thou shalt heap up coals of fire on his head. <a href="/mace/romans/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing, you will heap coals of fire on his head. <a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> On the contrary, therefore, if your enemy is hungry, give him food; if he is thirsty, quench his thirst. For by doing this you will be heaping burning coals upon his head. <a href="/worrell/romans/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But, if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink; for, in doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head. <a href="/worsley/romans/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. <a href="/parallel/romans/12-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3170" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Forgiveness</a> …19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: Alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">On the contrary,</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: Ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">“If</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2190.htm" title="2190: echthros (Adj-NMS) -- Hated, hostile; subst: an enemy. From a primary echtho; hateful; usually as a noun, an adversary.">enemy</a> <a href="/greek/3983.htm" title="3983: peina (V-PSA-3S) -- To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave.">is hungry,</a> <a href="/greek/5595.htm" title="5595: psōmize (V-PMA-2S) -- To feed, dole out. From the base of psomion; to supply with bits, i.e. to nourish.">feed</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him;</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/1372.htm" title="1372: dipsa (V-PSA-3S) -- To thirst for, desire earnestly. From a variation of dipsos; to thirst for.">he is thirsty,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/4222.htm" title="4222: potize (V-PMA-2S) -- To cause to drink, give to drink; irrigate, water. From a derivative of the alternate of pino; to furnish drink, irrigate.">give him a drink.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">in so doing,</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/4987.htm" title="4987: sōreuseis (V-FIA-2S) -- To heap up, load. From another form of soros; to pile up.">you will heap</a> <a href="/greek/4442.htm" title="4442: pyros (N-GNS) -- Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; fire.">burning</a> <a href="/greek/440.htm" title="440: anthrakas (N-AMP) -- Coal, charcoal, a burning coal. Of uncertain derivation; a live coal.">coals</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">on</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2776.htm" title="2776: kephalēn (N-AFS) -- From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.">head.”</a> 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a> If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a> Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39-42</a> But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; / if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ... <a href="/luke/6-35.htm">Luke 6:35</a> But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. <a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a> If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it. <a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22</a> “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” <a href="/proverbs/24-17.htm">Proverbs 24:17</a> Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12-13</a> We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-7</a> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ... <a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a> Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a> Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a> Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.if thine.<a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4,5</a> If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again… <a href="/1_samuel/24-16.htm">1 Samuel 24:16-19</a> And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept… <a href="/1_samuel/26-21.htm">1 Samuel 26:21</a> Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.coals.<a href="/psalms/120-4.htm">Psalm 120:4</a> Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.<a href="/psalms/140-10.htm">Psalm 140:10</a> Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.<a href="/songs/8-6.htm">Song of Solomon 8:6,7</a> Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/john/21-9.htm">Coals</a> <a href="/romans/11-24.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/romans/10-19.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/romans/11-9.htm">Food</a> <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/acts/27-34.htm">Head</a> <a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/mark/15-3.htm">Heaping</a> <a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Hunger</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-34.htm">Hungereth</a> <a href="/acts/10-10.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Need</a> <a href="/matthew/12-20.htm">Quench</a> <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/romans/8-25.htm">Something</a> <a href="/john/19-28.htm">Thirst</a> <a href="/john/7-37.htm">Thirsteth</a> <a href="/john/19-28.htm">Thirsty</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-12.htm">Coals</a> <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/romans/14-17.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-26.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-3.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/romans/14-2.htm">Food</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-29.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-16.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/psalms/110-6.htm">Heaping</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">Hunger</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-34.htm">Hungereth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Need</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm">Quench</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-13.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-30.htm">Something</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">Thirst</a> <a href="/judges/15-18.htm">Thirsteth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">Thirsty</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 12</div>1. <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.</a> 3. <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">No man must think too well of himself;</a> 6. <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">but everyone attend to the calling wherein he is placed.</a> 9. <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Love, and many other duties are required of us.</a> 19. <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Revenge is especially forbidden.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>On the contrary This phrase introduces a contrast to the natural human inclination to retaliate against enemies. It reflects the broader biblical theme of responding to evil with good, as seen in Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (<a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>). The call to act differently than expected is a hallmark of Christian ethics.If your enemy is hungry, feed him This directive emphasizes practical love and kindness towards one's enemies, echoing <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a>. In the ancient world, sharing a meal was a significant act of fellowship and peace. This command challenges believers to transcend cultural norms of retribution and instead demonstrate God's love through tangible actions.if he is thirsty, give him a drink Providing water to the thirsty is a basic act of compassion, reflecting the hospitality norms of the ancient Near East. This act symbolizes meeting essential needs and mirrors Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35</a>, where caring for the least of these is equated with serving Christ Himself.For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head This metaphorical expression has been interpreted in various ways. Some suggest it refers to causing an enemy to feel shame and remorse, leading to repentance. Others see it as a reference to an ancient Egyptian ritual where carrying coals signified repentance. The imagery underscores the transformative power of unexpected kindness, aligning with the biblical principle that God's kindness leads to repentance (<a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a> The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was diverse and included both Jewish and Gentile believers. 3. <a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a> In this context, "enemies" refers to those who oppose or persecute believers, a common experience for early Christians. 4. <a href="/topical/p/proverbs_25_-21-22.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a> The Old Testament source of the quote used by Paul, highlighting the continuity of biblical teaching on responding to enemies. 5. <a href="/topical/b/burning_coals.htm">Burning Coals</a> A metaphorical expression with roots in ancient practices, possibly symbolizing repentance or divine judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/responding_with_kindness.htm">Responding with Kindness</a> The command to feed and give drink to our enemies challenges us to respond with kindness rather than retaliation. This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. <a href="/topical/h/heaping_burning_coals.htm">Heaping Burning Coals</a> The phrase "heaping burning coals" can be understood as a way to bring about conviction and potential repentance in the enemy, rather than seeking revenge. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_gospel.htm">Living Out the Gospel</a> By treating our enemies with love and kindness, we demonstrate the love of Christ and live out the Gospel in practical ways. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_justice.htm">Trusting God's Justice</a> We are reminded to leave judgment to God, trusting that He will deal justly with all, while we are called to act in love. <a href="/topical/p/practical_acts_of_love.htm">Practical Acts of Love</a> Consider practical ways to show love to those who oppose you, such as acts of service, prayer, and seeking reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 12</a> <a href="/q/are_you_overly_sensitive.htm">What does 'heap burning coals' on someone's head mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'turn_the_other_cheek'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of 'turn the other cheek'?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'heap_coals'_on_head_mean.htm">What does "heap burning coals" on someone's head mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_christians_join_culture_wars.htm">If Christians are supposed to love their enemies, why do they often engage in culture wars?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Thou shalt heap coals of fire.--Comp. <a href="/context/psalms/18-12.htm" title="At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.">Psalm 18:12-14</a>, where the phrase "coals of fire" is used of the divine vengeance. So here, but in a strictly metaphorical sense, it means, "Thou shalt take the best and most summary vengeance upon him." There may be the underlying idea of awakening in the adversary the pangs of shame and remorse. <a href="/commentaries/romans/12-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>On the contrary, Ἀλλὰ (Alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. “If Ἐὰν (Ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. enemy ἐχθρός (echthros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2190.htm">Strong's 2190: </a> Hated, hostile; subst: an enemy. From a primary echtho; hateful; usually as a noun, an adversary. is hungry, πεινᾷ (peina) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3983.htm">Strong's 3983: </a> To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave. feed ψώμιζε (psōmize) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5595.htm">Strong's 5595: </a> To feed, dole out. From the base of psomion; to supply with bits, i.e. to nourish. him; αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. he is thirsty, διψᾷ (dipsa) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1372.htm">Strong's 1372: </a> To thirst for, desire earnestly. From a variation of dipsos; to thirst for. give him a drink. πότιζε (potize) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4222.htm">Strong's 4222: </a> To cause to drink, give to drink; irrigate, water. From a derivative of the alternate of pino; to furnish drink, irrigate. For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. in so doing, ποιῶν (poiōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. you will heap σωρεύσεις (sōreuseis) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4987.htm">Strong's 4987: </a> To heap up, load. From another form of soros; to pile up. burning πυρὸς (pyros) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4442.htm">Strong's 4442: </a> Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'. coals ἄνθρακας (anthrakas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_440.htm">Strong's 440: </a> Coal, charcoal, a burning coal. Of uncertain derivation; a live coal. on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. head.” κεφαλὴν (kephalēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2776.htm">Strong's 2776: </a> From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">NT Letters: Romans 12:20 Therefore If your enemy is hungry feed (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 12:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 12:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/12-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 12:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 12:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>